Elizabeth Taylor began acting in films from the age of eight

The 72-year-old double Oscar-winner will receive its Britannia award for artistic excellence in Hollywood.

"To honour a British star of the national treasure status of Miss Taylor is a downright thrill," said Bafta LA chairman Gary Dartnell.

As previously announced, actor Tom Cruise will receive Bafta's Stanley Kubrick Britannia award for film.

Mike Newell will be given the John Schlesinger Britannia for directing at the same event, to be held at the Beverly Hilton hotel on 10 November.

Health problems

Born in London in 1932, Dame Elizabeth began acting in films at the age of eight and enjoyed her first big success with National Velvet in 1944.

She received Oscars for her roles in 1960's Butterfield 8 and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in 1967. She also won a Bafta for the latter film.

Made a dame in 2000, she retired from acting in 2003 but continues to campaign for Aids research.

Dame Elizabeth has suffered a series of health problems in recent years.

Following bouts of pneumonia and two hip replacements, she survived surgery for a benign brain tumour in 1997.

The actress also suffers from scoliosis and congestive heart failure.